Referencing "jobs rebuilding our infrastructure," Obama discussed "projects vital to our national pride, like the one we're breaking ground on this week at the St. Louis Arch," according to text of the prepared remarks from the White House.

Through a public-private partnership -- that includes multiple local government agencies, the National Park Service and funding from other private sources -- the project will involve a major transformation on the site, notably with a continuous "greenway" path connecting the Old Courthouse to the Arch grounds to the riverfront.

The plan also includes significant traffic changes, new bike and pedestrian trails, riverfront improvements, a redesigned Museum of Westward Expansion and more. The foundation recently released a fly-through video that offers a glimpse into the site's redesign, slated for completion by October 28, 2015, which is the 50th anniversary of the Arch's completion.

CityArchRiver 2015 is marking the beginning of the construction this Friday, with a press event featuring project partners, elected officials and federal representatives. The Missouri Department of Transportation will break ground on the initial transportation improvements that will pave the way for the so-called "Park Over the Highway, which will physically connect the Arch to the St. Louis region for the first time in history."

Number two: jobs rebuilding our infrastructure. Let's put more construction workers back on the job doing the work America needs done - vital projects our businesses need, like widening Route 27 here in Chattanooga, or the Jacksonville Port I visited last week; and projects vital to our national pride, like the one we're breaking ground on this week at the St. Louis Arch.

Give a tax break to a company who will fund the restoration of the arch! It'll cost 7 times as much if we let the government do it.
O's priorities are out of wack... We have more homeless people that need help in STL... and we are worrying about a monument!

"vital to our national pride"? A bit egotistical? Should we even tempt fate by doing something that makes us think the US is a good place? Nationalistic? Where are the leftists screaming that nationalism is an evil? No, no, no. the left has taught us all that anything that makes us feel good about America is a bad thing.

Therefore, why not safe the money from the Arch redecoration party, and put that money into say filling pot holes to fixing some bridges? Afterall, Mr. Obama just suggested infrastructure improvements, right? Here's the first bucket of money to fund that.

I've seen security details for other presidents of the United States and they were nothing like the craziness that happens in St. Louis when President Obama comes to town. I don't believe he had anything to do with the construction project on the arch grounds and I don't think he's fulfilled his promise to better the lives of Americans, is that clear enough for you? There's no need for profanity or rudeness. I think the man is a liar and a fake, but I didn't attack you for supporting him, did I? And Veggie, you'll have to be more specific, is that even a question?

Gag me, I doubt he had anything to do with this project he just wants to take credit for a few people getting some temporary construction jobs. Meanwhile the unemployment rate in the greater St. Louis area is awful and people are losing benefits left and right. The elderly can't afford their medications and necessary treatment plans. I can't see that this administration has benefitted the people of this area very much at all. Judging from the amount of security the last time he was here, I don't think he has a lot of friends here.

I think we should deal with the crime problem down town first. Who the Helll wants to go to the arch with the risk of having your car broke ono are being held up at gun point since the thugs are allowed to prey on visitors and citizens. Untill City Hall recognizes this HUGE problem fixing amything down town should be delayed. The Bull Shit spin that crime is down is just that BULL SHIT!

@francis_38 I have lived downtown for two years. I see hundreds of people come here and have a great time every day. Frankly, if this is your attitude then please stay out of my neighborhood. For the record, I've never once been the victim of crime... and that crime is down is not "spin," it is statistics.

I already stay out of down town and i have lived in St louis for over 50 years and if you can't see the change for the worse then your blind. Statistics well thats Bull Shit those statistics were probably bought and paid for . I personally know a person who was robbed near the arch grounds in broad day light. Things like this never were heard of in down town St Louis . Sorry to hear you live own town bet you loose your Ass on that real estate. Enjoy the life of crime and your crime free statistics.